Countdown clock



G. A. PHLIEGER coUNTDowN CLOCK April 7, 1964 Filed June 13, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet l mmm |O u i@ @W Graydon A Phlieger, /jym/ENTOR.

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April 7, 1964 G. A. PHLlEGr-:R

COUNTDOWN CLOCK 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 13, 1961 Graydon A.Phlieger,

ENTOR mig G. A. PHLIEGER COUNTDOWN CLOCK April 7, 1964 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 13, 1961 Groydon A, Phlieger,

INVENToR.

United States Patent O 3,128,373 COUNTDOWN CLOCK Graydon A. Phlieger, 325 McCleod Drive, Cocoa, Fla. Filed June 13, 1961, Ser. No. 116,888 11 Claims. (Cl. 23S-92) (Granted under Title 35, U.S. Code (1952), sec. 266) The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalty thereon.

This invention relates in general to counting devices and in particular to a countdown clock.

'I'his invention employs a digital counting circuit in conjunction with a digital readout to display a series of numbers representative of time whereby an operator may quickly ascertain the elapsed time or time remaining for a particular countdown or timing operation.

In missile launchings, blastings, bomb testings and other activities having a series of complex operations directed toward a final, unrepeatable result, timing is vitally important. The problem of timing has become more complex as the operations have become more numerous and, because of their nature, have been located at remote areas from one another. In order to eliminate inaccuracies, the countdown procedure has come into wide use. During the countdown procedure, an operator reads the time directly from two clocks and his reading is transmitted to all areas simultaneously. The present invention eliminates the possibility of a time differential existing between the clocks in each area. It has been customary to use two clocks for the countdown; one with the conventional face having numbers reading clockwise; the other with an inverted -face having numbers readings counterclockwise. Various disadvantages are inherent in the two clock system. For example, it is difficult to read the reverse clock since the inverted face conflicts strongly with the daily experience of viewing and reading conventional clocks. Furthermore, the shifting of attention very rapidly from one clock to the other at zero time presents diiculties and introduces human inaccuracies. This is especially true when the reve-rse clock reaches zero before the intended zero time, as when a missile tires a few seconds oft-schedule. To overcome these difliculties, the present invention provides a single timing means which will give a deinite indication of whether it is registering additively or subtractively and which will compensate for inaccuracies at Zero time. Therefore, it is a purpose of this invention to provide such a timing means.

The present invention provides a circuit arrangement for the actuation of stepping switches which result in a readout corresponding to time. The circuit arrangement consists of a plurality of switches, each switch having ten contact positions. The switches are arranged in rows and columns. There are six rows or banks of switchesnamely, an additive registering bank, ya subtractive registering bank, an automatic zero bank, a normal Zero bank, an additive gating bank land a subtractive gating bank. The additive and substractive gating banks have four switches per bank while the remaining banks each have tive switches. There are five columns of switches with each column having a central shaft to provide a series of gauged switches. A-t the top of -this circuit arrangement and electrically connected thereto, is a readout assembly.

A lirst gauged switch is Vactuated by a voltage source once every second while a second ganged switch adjacent to the iirst is actuated once for every ten actuations of this iirst switch. This is accomplished by gating the voltage source through one contact of an individual switch on the first gauged switch to the actuating means of the adjacent or second ganged switch. Separate banks of switches are provided for gating and supplying voltage to the readout, one each for additive counting and one each for subtractive counting. Another bank of switches is provided which completes a path from the voltage source to a lock-in switching means when all switches of this bank are at a Zero position. When activated the lockin switching means removes voltage from the subtractive bank and applies it to the additive bank. The additive bank yfor supplying voltage to the readout has all but the zero contacts connected to the display means in inverse order to those of the subtractive bank. The readout may be a digital type having edge-lighted plastic sheets with engraved numbers. Voltage applied to a particular light will illuminate a respective number.

A means for `differentiating between additive counting and subtractive counting may be provided by several circuit forms. The preferred form provides for the display of a plus sign for an additive count and a decimal point between the seconds and minutes for a `subtractive count. The circuit form may be changed to provide any combination of seconds, minutes and hours. The preferred embodiment displays seconds and minutes for a subtractive count and only seconds for an additive count. By the use of other combinations of form, this circuit can 4also be used for counting and registering numbers which need not be proportional to time.

The control signals, which are pulses of voltage, will be regarded for the purpose of the above description as due to the making and breaking of the circuit to the voltage source. The making of the circuit corresponds to the start of the Voltage pulse and the breaking of its circuit to its end. It will, however, be understood that other -rneans of obtaining appropriate voltage differential can be used. The switches will be regarded as being actuated at the end of the voltage pulse. This is accomplished by the use of a ratchet imposed between each switch and the actuating means of that switch.

In practice it may be found that gauged switches with the desired number of contacts per individual switch are not available. In such cases, a cam can be used with associated contacts operative from the subtractive gating bank to step the switch past the unused contacts. The cam is used to hold the contacts together over the range of the unused contacts and thereby supply voltage to the actuating means of that switch.

The invention may be better understood through the following specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE l is a schematic of the invention for a countdown clock application.

FIGURE 2 is the digital readout of FIGURE 1 with a number displayed thereon.

FIGURE 3 shows a switch from the additive registering bank of FIGURE l.

lFIGURE 4 shows a switch from the subtractive registering bank of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 shows a switch from the automatic Zero bank of FIGURE l.

FIGURE 6 shows a switch from the normal zero bank and the subtractive gating bank of FIGURE l.

FIGURE 7 shows a switch from the additive gating bank of FIGURE l.

FIGURE 8 shows a switch from the normal Zero bank for zeroing at the count of six.

FIGURE 9 shows a Switch from the subtractive registering bank for registering only six digits.

FIGURE l0 shows a switch from the subtractive gating bank with an arrangement of a cam and associated contacts for zeroing the switches if the number of contacts per bank are more than the radix of the numbering systern used.

In the following description, like numerals designate similar components.

In FIGURE l, a series of ganged switches 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 is shown. Ganged switches 10, 12, 14, 16 comprise six individual switches or sections having a plurality of stationary contacts and a movable contact. As more clearly shown in FIGURE 3, movable contact 20 of each switch has positions corresponding with contacts a to j. As shown in the different columns of switches, the dotted lines designate a structural connection between components causing them to operate in a ganged manner. The digital readout 32 is shown at the top of FIGURE 1 as well as FIGURE 2. This readout consists of a series of window display numbers which use a stack of plastic sheets having engraved numbers superimposed on one another to provide the desired numerical display. Each of the sheets can be edge-lighted to bring its particular number into prominence. The edge-lighting is controlled by a series of stepping relays which will be more fully described hereafter. Located below the digital readout is the additive registering bank 52, the subtractive registering bank 30, the automatic zero bank 68, the normal zero bank 46, the additive gating bank 50 and the subtractive gating bank 44.

The circuit in FIGURE 1 is placed in operation by closing on-o switch 22 whereby voltage source 24 is connected through switch 26 to diodes 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D, 28E and movable contacts 20 of the subtractive registering bank 30. A voltage impressed on contacts a to j (see FIGURE 4) of ganged switches 1i), 14, 16, 18 of the subtractive registering bank from the respective movable contacts 20 cause each associated window of readout 32 to register the numbers 0, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, l, respectively. Therefore, as movable contacts 20 of subtractive registering bank 30 of switches 10, 14, 16, 18 are moved from contact a to b to c, etc., readout 32 registers 0, 9, 8, etc., respectively. As movable contacts 20 of subtractive registering bank 30 of switch 12 is moved from contact a to b to c, etc., readout 32D registers 0, 5, 4, etc., respectively. The display therefore depends upon the position of movable contacts 20.

To operate movable contacts 20 of gang switch 10, a control signal actuates coil 38 which in turn closes switch 36. Coil 38 and switch 36 can be considered as a pulsing means for supplying voltage to coils 34. When switch 36 is closed, voltage source 24 actuates coil 34A which tensions a spring loaded ratchet 33A. At the end of a pulse from control signal 40 switch 36 opens, removing voltage from coil 34A. When voltage is removed from coil 34A, it releases ratchet 33A which turns movable contacts 20 to a next position or contact. To operate the movable contacts 20 of gang switches 12, 14, 16, it is necessary to analyze the circuitry associated with the subtractive gating bank 44. Coils 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E are connected through diodes 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E to contacts a of switches 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D. In order to actuate coil 34B, the movable contact 20 of switch 44A must be in the a position. To actuate coil 34C, the movable contacts 20 of switch 44A and 44B must be in position a. Accordingly, it follows that coil 34E can only be actuated when the movable contacts 20 are at position a in switches 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D. In this manner, a pulse from control signal 40 closes switch 36 and allows a voltage from source 24 to rotate movable contact 20 of switch 44A one step. The number of steps the contact 20 makes will depend on the initial location of this movable contact. Each pulse will rotate the contact 20 one step. After contact 20 of switch 44A is stepped to position a, a circuit will be completed through diode 42B to actuate coil 34B. This in turn will, through ratchet 33B, turn contact 20 of switch 44B one step. It thus becomes apparent that contact 20 of switch 44B moves only one step for every ten steps of contact 20 in switch 44A. Likewise, movable contact 20 of switch 44C moves only one step for every ten steps of contact 20 in switch 44B.

Eventually, all the movable contacts 20 in the subtractive gating will be in position a so that readout 32 will display all zeros.

To change over from subtractive counting to additive counting, a normal zero bank 46 is provided. Voltage source 24 is connected through switch 22 to movable contact 20 of switch 46B. Contacta of switches 46B, 46C, 46D, 46E is connected to movable contacts 20 of switches 46C, 46D, 46E, 46A, respectively. Contact a of switch 46A is connected to coil 48.

Contacts g, lz, j of switch 46B are connected together and through switch 62 to contact 64B of gang switch 12. Contacts 64B and 66B are closed until coil 34B is actuated, so that voltage source 24 is connected through movable contact 20 of switch 46B to coil 34B for actuation thereof. When movable contact 20 and contact g of switch 46B come in contact, coil 34B tensions ratchet 33B and opens contact 64B and 66B. As ratchet 33B is released, it moves movable contact 20 to contact h of switch 46B. The operation repeats for contacts lz, i, j, as movable contact 20 connects with contacts lz, i, j of switch 46B. This series connection restricts readout 32B to register only six digits thereby allowing a count of seconds in readouts 32A and 32B for the subtractive counting operation. Readouts 32C, 32D, 32E are used to indicate minutes. Normal zero bank 46 being connected in the above described manner actuates coil 48 when movable contacts 20 of switches 46A, 46B, 46C, 46D, 46E are in position a, the zero position. Actuation of coil 48 opens the circuit from voltage source 24 through switch 92 to subtractive gating bank 44 and through switch 26 to subtractive registering bank 30 and closes the circuit from voltage source 24 through switch 54 to additive gating bank 50, through switch 58 to additive registering bank 52, and through switch 86 to coil 48.

Additive gating bank 50 operates and actuates coil 34B in a similar manner to that of subtractive gating bank 44. Switch 54 is connected to movable contact 20 of switch 56A. Contact j of switches 50A, 50B, 50C is connected to movable contacts 2) of switches 50B, 50C, 50D, respectively. Contact j of switches 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D is connected through diodes 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D to coils 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E, respectively.

Additive registering bank 52 controls the display of readout 32 in a similar manner to subtractive registering bank 30. Voltage source 24 supplies voltage to readout 32 through switches 22 and 58, diodes 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E and contacts a to j of additive registering bank 52. As movable contact 20 is moved from contact a to b to c, etc., readout 32 registers the numbers 0, 1, 2, etc., respectively.

A requirement for zeroing all switches is satisfied by employing automatic zero bank 68. Movable contacts 20 of automatic zero bank 68 are connected through switch 70 to .coil 76 and normally opened switch 78 to voltage source 24, and through switches 70 and 74 to terminal 9. Switch 74 is spring-loaded and has contacts and correspond positions x and y. Position y is the normal, nondepressed position of switch 74. Contact x is connected to voltage source 24 and contact y is connected to terminal 9. Terminal 9 is disposed for connection to equipment which supplies a control signal at the occurence of the timed event or as selectively desired. The event, for purposes of this description, is the lift-off of a missile. Contacts b to j of automatic zero bank 68 are connected together and through diodes 72A, 72B, 72C, 72D, 72E to contacts 64A, 64B, 64C, 64D, 64E. This circuit arrangement of automatic zero bank 68 will actuate coils 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E when movable contacts 20 are in positions b to j. Coils 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E actuate ratchets 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D, 33E which rotate movable contatcs 20 until they come in contact with contact a of automatic zero bank 68, breaking the circuit between coils 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E and terminal 9. Switch 70 is utilized so that zeroing of the switches can be accomplished only during a subtractive count. Voltage is supplied to movable contacts of automatic zeroing bank 68 when a control signal at terminal 9 actuates coil 76 to close switch 78 and connect it to voltage source 24. If the switches need to be zeroed by other 'than external equipment connected at terminal 9, switch 74 can be depressed to position x, connecting movable contacts 20 of automatic zero bank 68 directly with voltage source 24.

Because missile lift-off or any timed event might not occur exactly at zero time, a circuit containing switch 80, coil 82, and switch 84 has been included. Contact a of switch 46A is connected through switch 80 to coil 82. Switch 84 is connected between control signal 40 and coil 38. When movable contacts 20 of normal zero banks 46 are in position a, a voltage from source 24 is impressed on coil 82 opening switch 84 and removing control signal 40 from the circuit.

At the occurrence of the timed event a control signal is supplied to terminal 9 actuating coil 76. Actuation of coil 76 opens switch 80 breaking the connection to coil 82 and allowing switch 84 to close which connects control signal 40 to coil 38. If the event occurs before movable contacts 20 are in position a, the zero time, a control signal at terminal 9 will zero the switches and the next pulse from control signal 40 will begin the additive count. If the event occurs exactly at zero time, there will be no interruption in changing from subtractive counting to additive counting. If the event occurs after zero time, control signal 40 will be removed from coil 38 until the occurrence of the event; at which time the control signal at terminal 9 will cause the opening of switch 80 and the connection of control signal 40 to coil 38.

To enable the operator to distinguish between subtractive counting and additive counting, two additional readouts 88 and 90 are utilized. Readout 88, which is mounted between readouts 32B and 32C, is connected through switch 26 to voltage source 24 and displays a decimal point. Voltage is supplied to readout 88 only during the subtractive count and makes a division between the displayed seconds and minutes. Readout 90 is connected through switch 58 to voltage source 24 and displays a plus sign before readout 32. Voltage is supplied to readout 90 only during the additive count of seconds. Switches 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E and 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E are connected by cable harnesses 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, respectively, to readouts 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, 32E.

FIGURE 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the readout 32 of gang switches 10, 12, 14, 16, 18. Readout 32 illustrates a display of a typical number. The displayed number 123.45 corresponds to 123 minutes and 45 seconds. The plus sign is shown in dotted lines in readout 32E. During the additive count therefore, the display would appear as -l-l23.45 without the decimal point indicating 12,345 seconds have elapsed since the occurrence of the timed event. To have a display of H2345 on readout 32, movable contacts 20 of gang switches 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 must be in positions b, c, d, e, gf, respectively. To have a display of 123.45, movable contacts 20 of gang switches 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 must be in positions j, i, h, g, f, respectively.

FIGURE 3 illustrates contacts a to j, movable contact 20, and diode 60A of switch 52A. Connections from contacts a to j are shown with the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, illustrating connections to corresponding number readouts on readout 32A. The other switches in bank 52 would have this same configuration.

FIGURE 4 illustrates contacts a to i, movable contact 20, and diode 28A of switch 30A. Connections from contacts a to j are shown with the numbers 0, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, illustrating connections to corresponding number readouts of readout 32A. The other switches in bank 30 would have this same configuration.

FIGURE 5 illustrates contacts a to j and movable contact 20 of switch 68A. As described above, contacts b to 6 j are connected together. The other switches in bank 68 have the same conguration.

FIGURE 6 illustrates contacts a to j and movable contact 20 of switch 46A and switch 44A. The other switches in banks 44 and 46 would have the same conguration except for switch 46B.

FIGURE 8 illustrates contacts a to j and movable contact 20 of switch 46B. As shown and described above, contacts g, h, z', j are connected together so that readout 32B will register only the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 during the subtractive count restricting it to counting tens of seconds.

FIGURE 9 illustrates contacts a to y', movable contact 20 and diode 28A of switch 30A. Connections from conu tacts a to f are shown with the 0, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 illustrating connections to corresponding number readouts of readout 32B.

FIGURE 10 illustrates a switch which could be substituted for 44B with an arrangement of cam 106 and contacts 102 and 104 for zeroing a switch if the number of contacts per switch are more than that desired. Contacts a to l are shown as an example. If contacts a to j are to be used, cam 106 will close contacts 102 and 104 when movable contact 20 is in position to connect with contacts k and l. Contact 102 is connected to voltage source 24 and contact 104 is connected to contact 64B of FIGURE 1. Closing contacts 102 and 104 will actuate coil 34B and move movable contact 20 past contacts k and l to contact a.

As many changes could be made in the above construction and many dierent embodiments of this invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A counting device for singly and successively registering digits subtractively and additively corresponding to the incidence of a control signal comprising a plurality of successively disposed gang switches, each of said gang switches including; a plurality of individual sections respectively having a radix of stationary contacts and a movable contact successively cooperative with said stationary contacts, an actuating means cooperative with said movable contact of each section for stepping said switch, a display means having as many display units as said radix with each of said display units connected to a corresponding stationary contact of a rst of said sections for displaying a separate and distinct digit, a first diode connected between a rst stationary contact of a second of said sections and said actuating means of a next succeeding one of said switches, the lirst stationary contact of said second section connected to a movable contact of a second section of a next succeeding one of said switches; a pulsing means responsive to said control signal; a voltage source; a rst normally closed contact set connected between said voltage source and the movable contact of said iirst section of each of said switches; and a second normally closed contact set connected between said pulsing means and the movable contact of said second section.

2. A counting device as in claim l with a second diode connected between a last stationary contact of a third of said section of each of said switches and said actuating means of a next succeeding one of said switches, said last stationary contact of said third section connected to the movable contact of said third section of a next succeeding one of said switches, each of said display units connected to a corresponding stationary contact of a fourth of said sections of each of said switches; a rst normally opened contact set connected between said voltage source and the movable contact of said fourth section of each of said switches for supplying voltage to said display means; a second opened contact set connected between said pulsing means and the movable contact of said third section of a first of said switches; a first coil coperative with said first and said second normally opened contact sets and with said first and said second normally closed contact set for actuation thereof; a switching means connected between said voltage source and said first coil for actuation thereof.

3. A counting device as in claim 2 wherein said switching means includes a third normally opened contact set, said first coil cooperative with said third normally opened contact set for actuation thereof, said Voltage source connected to said movable contact of a fifth of said sections of a second of said switches, a first stationary contact of said fifth section of said first switch connected between said switching means and said first coil, a first contact of said fifth section of a next succeeding one of said switches.

4. A counting device as in claim 3 comprising an automatic zero source, a third normally closed contact set connected between said automatic zero source and the movable contact of a sixth of said sections of each of said switches, a second contact connected to succeeding of the remaining stationary contacts of said sixth section, an interrupter contact set including two points, a diode connected between said second contact of said sixth section and one of said points, other of said points connected to said actuating means, said actuating means cooperative with said interrupter contact set for actuation thereof, whereby said automatic zero source will step all switches until the movable contacts come in contact With said first stationary contact of each of said sections of all said switches.

5. A counting device as in claim 4 wherein said pulsing means includes a fourth normally opened contact set, a second coil cooperative with said fourth normally opened contact set for actuation thereof, said fourth normally opened contact set connected between said voltage source and said actuating means of said first switch; a fourth normally closed contact set; said control signal connected through said fourth normally closed contact set to said second coil for intermittent actuation of said fourth opened contact set.

6. A counting device as in claim 5 wherein said control signal has a constant rate of one pulse per second.

7. A counting device as in claim 6 where in each of said switches, a first stationary contact of said first and Said fourth sections are connected to a first display unit, remaining of said stationary contacts of said rst section connected to corresponding of said display units in Successive order, remaining of said stationary contacts of said fourth section connected in inverse successive order to corresponding of said display units whereby said first section will connect said voltage source to said display means for registering digits successively and additively and said fourth section will connect said voltage source to said display means for registering digits successively and subtractively.

8. A counting device as in claim 7 wherein said radix is equal to ten so that said display means will register time in a numbering system of base ten.

9. A counting device as in claim 8 where in said second switch, a seventh stationary contact is connected to an eighth, ninth and tenth stationary contact of said fifth section, a fifth normally closed contact set connected between said seventh contact of said fifth section and said one of said points whereby said actuating means will step the movable contacts of said second switch so that said display means will register six digits in an additive count.

10. A counting device as in claim 9 in which said first coil cooperates with said third and fifth normally closed contact sets.

11. A counting device as in claim 10 wherein said switching means includes a fifth normally opened contact set, a third coil cooperative with said fifth normally opened contact set for actuation thereof, a sixth normally opened contact set having a normally opened contact connected to said voltage source, a normally closed contact connected to said automatic zero source, a wiper arm cooperative with said normally closed contact and said normally opened contact and connected to said third coil, said wiper arm connected through said third and fifth normally opened contact sets to said second coil.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. A COUNTING DEVICE FOR SINGLY AND SUCCESSIVELY REGISTERING DIGITS SUBTRACTIVELY AND ADDITIVELY CORRESPONDING TO THE INCIDENCE OF A CONTROL SIGNAL COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF SUCCESSIVELY DISPOSED GANG SWITCHES, EACH OF SAID GANG SWITCHES INCLUDING; A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUAL SECTIONS RESPECTIVELY HAVING A RADIX OF STATIONARY CONTACTS AND A MOVABLE CONTACT SUCCESSIVELY COOPERATIVE WITH SAID STATIONARY CONTACTS, AN ACTUATING MEANS COOPERATIVE WITH SAID MOVABLE CONTACT OF EACH SECTION FOR STEPPING SAID SWITCH, A DISPLAY MEANS HAVING AS MANY DISPLAY UNITS AS SAID RADIX WITH EACH OF SAID DISPLAY UNITS CONNECTED TO A CORRESPONDING STATIONARY CONTACT OF A FIRST OF SAID SECTIONS FOR DISPLAYING A SEPARATE AND DISTINCT DIGIT, A FIRST DIODE CONNECTED BETWEEN A FIRST STATIONARY CONTACT OF A SECOND OF SAID SECTIONS AND SAID ACTUATING MEANS OF A NEXT SUCCEEDING ONE OF SAID SWITCHES, THE FIRST STATIONARY CONTACT OF SAID SECOND SECTION CONNECTED TO A MOVABLE CONTACT OF A SECOND SECTION OF A NEXT SUCCEEDING ONE OF SAID SWITCHES; A PULSING MEANS RESPONSIVE TO SAID CONTROL SIGNAL; A VOLTAGE SOURCE; A FIRST NORMALLY CLOSED CONTACT SET CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID VOLTAGE SOURCE AND THE MOVABLE CONTACT OF SAID FIRST SECTION OF EACH OF SAID SWITCHES; AND A SECOND NORMALLY CLOSED CONTACT SET CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID PULSING MEANS AND THE MOVABLE CONTACT OF SAID SECOND SECTION. 